There are numerous styles and traditions emerging from the wedding sector. Here are some of the Flawless professionals' current favorites. Ceremony Trends With the help of your wedding professional, create a wedding weekend newsletter to be distributed to wedding party members. This should begin with the bridal luncheon or rehearsal dinner and include activities all the way through the day-after brunch. Include timelines, event schedules, directions/maps, special instructions, etc. One bride was escorted down the aisle by both of her parents, and the groom was escorted by his parents, as well. You can take the walk down the aisle with your mother, father, both parents, other special parental figure, by yourself or even meet the groom halfway down the aisle. Include two special flowers in your bouquet. On your way down the aisle, pause and offer one to your mother. On the way back up, offer the other flower to your new mother-in-law. Another fun bouquet idea: before the ceremony, ask your wedding planner to distribute "pieces" of your bouquet to special guests seated along the aisle. During your walk up the aisle, collect each blossom from the guests until you have a complete bouquet. This is an excellent way to include guests who have been a special part of your life but who may not have been able to join the wedding party. A particularly savvy couple chose to face the congregation during their ceremony. Not only were the guests able to see the bride and groom's faces, but their voices were also clear and audible. The photographer and videographer had a perfect view of the bride and groom as well!   Reception Trends An alternative to the traditional guestbook: create a personalized banner to hang at your reception with a phrase such as "Congratulations, Steve and Allison." Ask guests to sign the banner with a personal note - it makes a wonderful keepsake and can be hung at anniversary parties. Instead of the traditional guest favors at the reception, make a donation to a favorite charity in the name of each guest. A common concern of couples is how to occupy guests in between the ceremony and reception. Ask a close friend or family member to give a presentation (slide show or video clip) about you and the groom at the reception. Your guests will be happy and entertained until you arrive, and you can guiltlessly smile for your photographs! Another option for guests between the two events: provide them with a list of things to do and places to visit while they wait for reception to start - include local area attractions, historical landmarks, coffee houses, shopping venues, etc. One couple skipped the obligatory garter and bouquet toss and opted for an anniversary dance instead. An anniversary dance is a wonderful way to include older guests who may not otherwise venture onto the dance-floor. Contact us for further information on how to organize an anniversary dance.   The most important thing to keep in mind is that if a tradition does not correspond with your style, then it will be difficult to successfully execute. Regardless of how unique or forward-thinking an idea may seem, every couple must consider their own personal tastes, wishes and overall theme of the event.